Well done to all involved and a huge thank you to all who donated.
Barbon Charity Update
Date Posted: 08.11.2011
The Barbon Management team are undertaking a 'sofa carry' to raise money for Emmaus, the Barbon chosen charity for the year. Details of the news article with details of the sofa carry (plus a link to the just giving page, for anyone who might want to sponsor them) can be found here:
We hope you will join in the fun by taking photos of yourself (and your colleagues/family) on your sofa and upload it onto the site -
Look forward to seeing you on your sofas!
BIBA calls for the notification period to be increased on the Riots (Damages) Act permanently
Date Posted: 09.09.2011
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has called upon the Government to permanently change the Riot Damages Act notification period from 14 to 42 days.
This call was made following the Home Affairs Select Committee's Inquiry - 'policing large-scale disorder: lessons from the disturbances of August 2011.'
BIBA's Head of Corporate Affairs, Graeme Trudgill commented: "14 days is not a remotely realistic period for businesses to quantify losses and make a full submission under that Act, and there is no obvious necessity to have such a strict deadline. The move to extend this to 42 days in August was correct and we now want to see this changed permanently to help future victims."
BIBA have also pushed for the Government to provide advice for consumers and businesses on the value and benefits of insurance and what is specifically covered under the Riot (Damages) Act.
*Source - www.biba.org.uk
V-Festival Collection for CHESS
Date Posted: 19.08.2011
As part of our ongoing partnership with local homeless charity, CHESS, a team from FARR have volunteered their time to collect discarded tents and sleeping bags from this weekend's V-Festival.
The V-Festival is held over two days in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and often provides CHESS with a large quantity of unwanted equipment that can really assist the charity.
A big thank you to the team who have volunteered from FARR armed with sturdy boots and thick gardening gloves! Best of luck to you!
The PIERATHON is coming!
Date Posted: 19.08.2011
An intrepid band of FARR staff will be taking part in the PIERATHON on Thursday 25th August.
The aim is to walk the marathon up and down Southend Pier, the world's longest pleasure pier.
All the proceeds will be going to CHESS, a local homeless charity. To sponsor our team please visit the CHESS website www.chelmsfordchess.org and press the Donate Online button!
ABI and government in talks over riot compensation
Date Posted: 18.08.2011
It has been confirmed that the ABI are in talks with the Home Office and Treasury to determine exactly which claims can be refunded under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886.
Under the act, insurers and the individual affected can be refunded for all legitimate claims relating to a riot, from the local police authority.
Prime Minister, David Cameron announced in the House of Commons: "On repairing the damages, I can confirm that any individual, homeowner or business that has suffered damage to, or loss of, their buildings or property as a result of rioting can seek compensation under the Riot (Damages) Act, even if uninsured."
The act outlines that authorities will pay out for damage caused by at least 12 people "riotously and tumultuously assembled."
There has also been confusion in relation to motor claims; these are not specified under the act however David Cameron has suggested that insurers can be refunded for claims from motorists with third party, fire and theft cover.
With confusion on where the funding will come from to compensate these claims, a government official advised: "Discussions are ongoing between the Home Office and the Treasury as to how this will be funded. There is no estimate yet for the total cost."
The ABI recently estimated the riots would cost around £200m in damages.
*Source - Insurance Times 5-18 August 2011 Issue
Riot claim notification periods causing confusion
Date Posted: 16.08.2011
Following on from the riots which hit our nation's largest cities last week, it seems a large majority of insurers have failed to adopt a blanket policy on increasing their claims notification period since the government made the decision to extend the notification deadline from 7 days to 42 days under the Riot (Damages) Act.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) welcomed the Prime Minister's decision on Thursday 11th following a revised estimation figure for claims likely to be paid reaching well over the £200m mark.
The director general of the ABI, Otto Thoresen said: "We will work in partnership with the government, and share our expertise, to make sure the police compensation schemes work effectively and get compensation to people who need it quickly. It is important that, after the sad events of recent days, we do everything we can to help people recover."
For further information on how the riots could affect your policy or how to notify us of a claim, please click
here.
Cost of major city riots could top £100m in damages
Date Posted: 11.08.2011
The Association of British Insurers has commented on the recent riots which have swooped over our nation during the past few days, saying the industry's liability could run up to "well over" £100m in damages and lost business.
The shocking riots started on 6th August in Tottenham; however since then they have reached some of the nation's larger cities including Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.
With Britain recovering from a recession, these riots have hit at a very fragile time, whilst smaller retailers have been hit the worst, the riots will undoubtedly affect larger businesses and tourism in the UK.
*Source - The Independent
Change in Sewer Ownership Legislation
Date Posted: 09.08.2011
From 1 October 2011 sewer ownership laws for residential and commercial properties in England & Wales will change.
Currently if a problem arose with a sewer or wastewater pipes outside your property's boundary but connecting to the main sewer, you would be responsible.
After 1 October 2011 you will only be responsible for pipes within your property boundary.
For more information please visit the Consumer Council for Water: http://ccwater.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/522 or www.direct.gov.uk
Asbestos Update
Date Posted: 25.07.2011
A new nationwide survey has been launched amongst UK workers to investigate levels of awareness & understanding of asbestos in buildings and the regulations surrounding it.
The Great British Asbestos Survey 2011, developed with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is to encompass all industries in a bid to reduce the amount of work-related deaths due to asbestos from the current level of approximately 4,000 per year. It is hoped the results will highlight areas for improvement in training and awareness of asbestos related issues.
Housing Association Tenant awarded £2.5million compensation
Date Posted: 22.07.2011
A falling tree branch has led to compensation totaling £2.5million being awarded to a Sovereign Housing Association tenant.
The accident resulted in a severe head injury leaving Royal Mail worker, Jason Thatcher, left in what is termed as a 'locked in' state. Mr Thatcher's cognitive functions were largely intact, however, his mobility, independence and communication has been severely affected.
Liability for the incident was not straight forward as the tree, excluding the fallen branch, was deemed otherwise healthy. The counsel acting on behalf of Mr Thatcher, Chris Bright QC, admits that had the case gone to trial "there would be a significant risk of Mr Thatcher recovering nothing."
Sovereign Housing Association has since reviewed their approach to tree safety including improved communication to tenants and regular checking procedures.
The Bribery Act 2010 has come into force
Date Posted: 07.07.2011
The UK Bribery Act 2010 came into force on 1st July. It applies to all UK incorporated entities and UK registered partnerships, as well as any overseas entity carrying on business in the UK.
What is Bribery?
The giving and receiving of money, a gift or other advantage as an inducement to do something that is dishonest, illegal or a breach of trust in the course of a business.
How can this affect you?
There is a significant risk of both the cost of fines and reputational damage arising from an investigation. Any conviction under the Act could also result in director disqualification, company debarment from public procurement and asset confiscation.
Want to find out more?
Visit our one minute guide on The Bribery Act 2010
here.
The Essential Guide to Summer Subsidence
Date Posted: 01.07.2011
Areas within the South West, South East, Midlands and Wales are experiencing drought conditions, following the driest spring on record.
Click
here to read our Essential Guide to Summer Subsidence to see how you can avoid and minimise the subsidence threat.
Chelmsford Race for Business 2011
Date Posted: 30.06.2011
On a very warm Wednesday evening, FARR staff put on their running shoes and joined some 1400 runners from local businesses and completed the challenging 3.25 mile course.
Proceeds went to Little Havens Children's Hospice and FARR's contribution was £120 to this very worthwhile cause.
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Steve Higgins and John Hannah escaped the photo call, but we did capture Becka Freeman, Dean Connor, Kerry Buckley, Lisa Middleton, Andy Bygrave and Nick Kindred before the start.
Thankfully no pictures exist of them finishing the run but the chip times reveal some fine efforts by all. Head of Business Joe Murphy counted us all at the start and welcomed us home at the finish.
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Federation to discuss Green Deal programme
Date Posted: 28.06.2011
David Orr, Federation Chief Executive is due to meet Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne on 14th July to discuss how housing associations can be involved in delivering the Government's Green Deal programme. The programme aims to make things easier for home owners, tenants and landlords to carry out home energy efficiency improvements.
The Federation Chief Executive is calling for the Green Deal to be amended so that landlord, tenant and leaseholder consent for improvements cannot be unreasonably withheld.
Throughout recent weeks, the Government has acknowledged the valid concerns that the Federation has on the Green Deal, with Gregory Barker advising the House of Commons that Ministers are aiming to tackle the issue of consent before the Green Deal is implemented.
Government set to slash housing benefit for disabled
Date Posted: 27.06.2011
The Government is to slash housing benefit for many disabled people living in social housing.
Under the Welfare Reform Bill, the Government is planning to cut benefit for 670,000 social housing tenants who have a 'spare bedroom', 450,000 of these people are disabled.
Up to 200,000 of these people receive Disability Living Allowance and approximately 100,000 live in accommodation adapted specifically to suit their needs.
Many social housing tenants across Great Britain will lose an average of £676 per annum because according to new rules, their homes will be deemed to large for their requirements.
The Federation has therefore been calling on Ministers to rethink their plans.
Housing benefit cuts could leave families struggling to pay their bills
Date Posted: 24.06.2011
Recent plans for housing benefits to be slashed for a large number of low income families could lead to a huge increase in the number of people turning to loan sharks and door step lenders, due to them struggling to pay their bills.
The Department of Work and Pensions has suggested that households having their benefits reduced - 13% reduction for those with one 'spare' room and 23% for two or more 'spare' rooms, these households should 'move to accommodation which better reflects size and composition of their household' or make up the shortfall from other sources of income.
Each claimant is expected to lose around £676 a year if the Government is to go ahead with this measure in 2013. Tenants will therefore face a difficult choice of whether to downsize to a smaller property to avoid the penalty or staying in their homes and pay a higher level of rent.
Date Posted: 24.06.2011
FARR is delighted to welcome three new recruits, each of which has made a decision to join us from a competitor.
Chris Redfern has spent over 10 years dealing with Social Housing organisations and joins us from JLT as an Account Director. He is based in Manchester and ideally placed to provide great service and advice to our clients in the North and parts of the Midlands.
Paul Latham joins us as an Account Director from Zurich Municipal having spent nine years dealing with the public sector. Paul's brief is to support our clients in the Wales, the South West and also parts of the South East.
Martin Crowe rejoins FARR from Acumus. Having working for FARR until 2006, Martin rejoins and will be running our development and broking teams. Martin's brief is to further enhance our offering to clients and continue FARR's growth story of the last couple of years.
FARR sponsor Allianz for Hospice Walk
Date Posted: 16.06.2011
Hugh Fisher of Allianz, one of the major Insurers in Chelmsford recently took part in a 22km walk on behalf of the Farleigh Hospice.
The hospice cares for people with cancer and other life limiting illnesses in and around the Chelmsford area.
FARR are thrilled that Hugh finished the route on Sunday 15th May and are pleased to donate £100 to the very deserving cause.
Insurers still paying for Winter Claims...
Date Posted: 03.06.2011
A recent Insurance Times article has highlighted the massive impact the poor winter weather conditions had upon insurance claims. It has been reported to have cost the industry in the region of £1.4bn with burst pipe claims accounting for £680m.
Recent reports have also indicated these so-called freak weather events may, in the future, become more commonplace. As a result insurers may have to reconsider 'one size fits all approaches to household policies' which may lead to encouragement of more proactive risk management by the insured.
Incentives could be introduced such as higher excesses or deductibles to those policyholders who 'lag their pipe work properly or install devices that monitor flow, triggering a valve that stops the mains supply if it is inconsistent.'
*Source - Insurance Times Magazine - 26/05/2011
FARR pledge their support to local homeless charity
Date Posted: 31.05.2011
We are delighted to announce the partnership between local homeless charity, CHESS and FARR.
CHESS seeks to relieve homelessness and related hardship and distress amongst single adults in Chelmsford and Essex, through the provision of support services and temporary accommodation that helps them move on in their lives.
FARR launched the partnership with a food drive, wherein all members of staff donated canned goods and drinks for the night shelter.
Watch this space for more fundraising activities with CHESS!
FARRgo is on the move!
Date Posted: 31.05.2011
As the holiday seasons approaches, the photos are coming in of our newest and bluest addition, FARRgo the Duck. We have had photographs from Peru, The Maldives, Copenhagen, Venice and.... Cheltenham!
If you have collected your duck don't forget to pack him and take photographs of his travels - remember there is £500 for a charity of your choice if you take the best photograph.
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Client Satisfaction Survey - We need you!
Date Posted: 31.05.2011
The Client Satisfaction Survey for 2011 has been launched as of today. The survey is a vital tool for FARR to learn your opinions of our service, good or bad. It ensures we continue & improve upon the positive aspects and of course, find any solutions to problems that our valued customer may have.
Please take the time to complete our quick & easy survey online. Alternatively you can request a paper version by emailing development@farrinsurance.co.uk. Upon completion your name will be automatically placed into a prize draw to win a £50 wine voucher.
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London Mayor Housing Claims
Date Posted: 15.04.2011
Boris Johnson announced on Monday that he will meet his targets for delivery of more affordable housing; however, Green Party assembly member Jenny Jones has launched an attack on the London Mayor's use of statistics, claiming that the announcement contradicted figures provided by Alan Benson.
Ms Jones said the target would be met in 2010/2013, rather than at the end of Boris Johnson's term as Mayor, although the Mayor's office dispute this claim.
Alan Benson announced at the committee meeting last week that 'about 28,000 homes are in the pipeline to be delivered.' He advised that these would not all be delivered by 2012 and added 'We think about 16,000 by 2012 and the rest will be delivered in the following year in 2012/2013.'
Read the full article here.
Pleural Plaques - the debate continues...
Date Posted: 14.04.2011
A challenge mounted by insurance giants, Axa, Aviva, RSA and Zurich, to overturn last year's Damages Act passed by the Scottish Parliament, has been dismissed.
Insurers believe the Scottish Parliament's overturn of an earlier House of Lords ruling was essentially flawed. The initial ruling stated that pleural plaque sufferers would be unable to claim compensation for their condition. However, the Scottish Parliament passed the Damages Act to allow claimants to come forward.
Insurers argued that the Scottish Parliament essentially ignored medical opinion that pleural plaque do not impact on quality of life and do not in themselves lead to asbestos related conditions.
The case continues as insurers plan to appeal to the Supreme Court in London.
*Source: www.insurancetimes.co.uk
Up to £1,000 for Council Tenants to 'Do it Yourself'
Date Posted: 07.04.2011
Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, is to make an announcement today detailing a new scheme in which council tenants could be offered up to £1,000 per year to maintain their own homes.
The attempt to reduce repair bills, which are currently costing social housing landlords approximately £1,000 per property per year are hoping to save up to 20% of the annual repairs budget.
The scheme will allow tenants to either employ local tradesmen or take upon the works themselves and keep any savings made.
More complex repairs such as boiler replacement and fixing roofs will continue to be the responsibility of the council as well as ensuring the work is carried out to a sufficient standard.
*Source - Metro 07/04/2011
When Clarke met Jackson: A guide to the government's announcements on civil litigation.
Date Posted: 05.04.2011
On 29th March 2011, Kenneth Clarke had announced in parliament his proposed implementation of the now famed, Jackson report.
From these discussions, we have every reason to believe that these changes will positively affect our clients and help to control costs. Indeed one only has to take a look at the firms who have issued quotes on the changes to see who loses and who benefits: Firms that typically represent insurers, councils, housing associations e.t.c have put forward overwhelming positive quotes. Conversely Personal Injury Claims Farms have put some pretty negative quotes out into the media.
A summary of the proposed changes which were discussed can be found here.
Date Posted: 05.04.2011
It is currently an offence to use a vehicle on a public highway without adequate Motor Insurance. However a new law will be in effect from early 2011 giving the DVLA more powers to tackle the owners of uninsured vehicles. This initiative will be known as Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE).
Regardless of whether the vehicle is kept off-road or not, it will be considered an offence if the uninsured vehicle does not have Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) or is NOT on the MID. The registered keeper could face a fixed penalty of £100, their vehicle being clamped, seized and disposed of and a court prosecution with a maximum fine of £1,000.
The message is clear - either get insurance or get a SORN...
To check your vehicle is insured on the MID record, visit the free service at www.askMID.com. Terms and conditions apply; see the website for full details.
Comic Relief Fundraising Total
Date Posted:30.03.2011
We are pleased to announce that we raised £70.70 for Comic Relief - Members of staff at FARR took part in a number of activities throughout Red Nose Day to raise money for this wonderful cause.
Red Nose Day at FARR!
Date Posted: 17/03/2011
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Red Nose Day is tomorrow and we are proud to announce that staff here at FARR will be taking part in a number of activities to raise money for this wonderful cause.
Money raised for Comic Relief goes towards some truly amazing things and can help change lives for disadvantaged people across Africa and at home in the UK.
Our donations are the only way we can help make life changing differences - We want to help make this difference!
We will be taking part in a number of activities including:
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Check back for updates on winners and of course, our fundraising total!
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Fire safety testing
Date Posted: 16/03/2011
A number of fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, so finding your way out of a smoke-filled office quickly is vital.
Companies spend a great deal of time and money on fire safety equipment such as emergency lighting systems that illuminate escape routes when the main power supply has shut down. This investment is pointless if the system fails to work when it is needed.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the requirement for organisations to carry out risk assessments and to have suitable fire safety measures in place, including emergency lighting. Companies are advised to regularly check their emergency lights themselves, and to get professional electrical engineers to run through a full system test every year.
Rural homelessness increases by 25%
Date Posted: 16/03/2011
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Homelessness in rural areas has increased by 25% in the past year - following a high demand for affordable homes rocketing to record levels.
The NHF published shocking figures revealing that homelessness in the countryside has increased at such a high rate compared to homelessness in urban areas, which was recorded at an 11% increase.
In 2010, a total of 7,600 were registered as homeless in rural areas, this was up from 6,100 in 2009 and meant this was the first increase since 2007.
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Figures uncovered by the NHF show that 11,400 people are being left to live in temporary accommodation in the countryside due to a lack of suitable affordable properties and a further 399 people are estimated to be sleeping rough in rural districts of England.
Waiting lists for affordable homes in rural England are said to be holding 750,000 people, where the average price of a property is over £40,000 more than in towns and cities, despite people being on a lower wage.
The Federation has therefore been calling on local authorities to ensure their further housing action plans show that they have the intention to meet the demand in their areas.
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Rural homes now less affordable than ever for locals
Date Posted: 16/03/2011
According to research carried out by the NHF, homes in rural areas have become less affordable for locals over the past decade, leaving many working people in the countryside unable to get on the housing ladder.
Ten years ago the average price of a property in a rural area was £95,073 and the average local salary was £13,505 however since then the price of a rural property has increased to £214,008 and local wages have risen just 37% to £18,538 meaning properties are now increasingly unaffordable for local workers.
The Federation has estimated that approximately 100,000 affordable new homes need to be built in England alone to meet the high demand in rural areas over the next decade. Rural councils must ensure they publish an action plan to deal with this matter.
Is your spare key hidden under the plant pot?
Date Posted: 01/02/2011
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Tenants are being urged to change the locks on their homes, as failure to do so can expose them to an increased risk of burglary.
Our recent Tenants Contents campaign confirmed that burglary is on the up, and research commissioned by Direct Line show that 63% of people moving into a new home do not feel the need to change the locks.
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Research found that 70% of tenants have a spare key taken into the hands of their family members and 22% being looked after by neighbours.
A staggering 3.4million plus people have a spare key outside, giving easy access to burglars, whether the key is hidden under a doormat, plant pot or elsewhere.
It was found that homeowners are underinsuring, with £212.9bn in home contents not covered in the UK.
To discuss your Tenants Contents requirements, please email our development team.
-Full details of this article can be found here.
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